Influence of Common Sense and Documents

This video explores the Mayflower Compact and Thomas Paine's Common Sense, highlighting their influence on American government. The Mayflower Compact introduced self-government and the social contract, impacting the US Constitution. Common Sense encouraged independence from England and advocated for a written constitution, influencing the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. The video emphasizes the importance of these documents in shaping early American ideas about governance.

What are the two documents discussed in the first video of this module?

• The Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights

• The Mayflower Compact and Common Sense

• The US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution

What principle did the Mayflower Compact establish for the Plymouth settlers?

• Monarchy

• Self-government

• Dictatorship

• Oligarchy

What did the Mayflower Compact emphasize about government?

• The power of the king

• The need for a social contract

• The importance of a monarchy

• The role of the church

What did the Plymouth colonists want their government to be based on?

• The rule of the military

• The power of the church

• The divine right of kings

• The consent of the governed

Which idea from the Mayflower Compact is reflected in the phrase 'We the People' in the US Constitution?

• Monarchical rule

• Self-government

• Divine right

• Colonialism

What was the main argument of Thomas Paine's Common Sense?

• Independence from England

• Support for the British monarchy

• Establishment of a new monarchy

• Return to colonial rule

What accusation did Thomas Paine make against King George III in Common Sense?

• He was a benevolent ruler

• He was a tyrant abusing power

• He was a fair and just king

• He was a supporter of American independence

How did Common Sense influence the Declaration of Independence?

• It proposed a new monarchy in America

• It argued for independence from an abusive king

• It encouraged the colonies to remain under British rule

• It supported the British monarchy

Which document did Thomas Paine's Common Sense influence regarding a written constitution?

• The Magna Carta

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Mayflower Compact

• The English Bill of Rights

What did Thomas Paine argue was necessary for the colonies in Common Sense?

• A return to British rule

• A military dictatorship

• A written constitution

• A new monarchy